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Sterling College announces SterlingNOW capital campaign

Friday, March 9, 2018

Sterling College has unveiled plans for strategic growth through its SterlingNOW Capital Campaign. SterlingNOW, the College’s largest capital campaign to date with a goal of $25 million, seeks to upgrade science and academic facilities, renovate and expand Gleason Physical Education Center and grow the College’s endowment. Sterling College has been challenged by the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation with a proposed $2 million from the foundation if the challenge is met.

“We have an incredible opportunity to transform our campus and shape the lives of future generations of servant leaders through the SterlingNOW Capital Campaign,” said Scott Rich, president of Sterling College. “This campaign will provide our students, faculty and staff with facilities and resources that match the excellence of our programs and attract and retain students who desire a discernibly different education.”

The Zaid-West Science and Research Center will be a new building on the Sterling College campus and will offer the latest resources for the College’s science programs. The 34,000-square-foot building will feature laboratories, new technologies, expanded classroom facilities, a greenhouse and student study space. All students will take classes in this building through the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The science and research center will be situated between Cooper Hall and Kelsey Hall.

With the sciences moving to the Zaid-West Center, Thompson Hall will be renovated to include flexible-use classrooms, office space, work and study areas for students, a new facade and a glass lobby. With a complete interior renovation and exterior upgrades, Thompson Hall will look and feel like a new building.

A new Center for Health Sciences will be included in a 33,000-square-foot expansion and renovation for the Gleason Physical Education Center. This will allow additional space for the current exercise science and athletic training classes, as well as room for master’s students. The updates will also improve functionality of the building by including an auxiliary gym for sports practices and classes. Housing a new Wellness Center and offices for faculty and coaches will allow for the Gleason Center to become a welcoming space that improves the overall health of the campus community.

Sterling College’s first master’s programs will begin in the summer of 2018, with many classes for the Master of Science in Athletic Training taking place in the Gleason Physical Education Center.

Lastly, SterlingNOW includes a $3 million increase to Sterling College’s endowment, providing new resources for funding scholarships, faculty development, academic disciplines, on-going operations for buildings, new technologies and classroom equipment.

The building projects for SterlingNOW total $22 million, of which the college has raised $15.2 million. The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation challenged Sterling College to raise $4.8 million by Oct. 10, 2018. If this goal is met, the Mabee Foundation will provide the final $2 million to complete the building projects.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.